Throughout the Tiger’s 2024 season, they have faced impeccable new teams that have challenged them in every aspect of the game. On Fri. 13, 2024, the Tigers will face off against the Midlothian Heritage Jaguars in a matched game of skill.
Over the years, both teams continuously had similar wins and streaks, and they all progressed into this game. Previously, the Jaguars lost to Argyle 49-24. On the other hand, the Tigers’ winning streak has instilled confidence in the team.
“[I expect] you know a fast-paced game,” Darnell Wiliams, senior safety, said. “It’s gonna be a great game.”
Even with confidence, the Tigers will prepare for what the Midlothian Jaguars could present on the field. Like always, the Tigers practice and run through ways to oppose the other side.
“I think offensively, we found the first two games of the year, at least, and even in our scrimmages, that we can be efficient by spreading the ball out to as many people as possible and keeping everyone involved,” Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Gerry Stanford said. “…so that defenses can’t key in on one person or the other.”
Offensively, the Jaguars have many notable characters like Carter Rutenbar, a senior varsity quarterback, who rushed for 124 yards in the Panther’s game against Argyle. He and others might prove to make a new challenge for the tigers.
“They’re gonna try to get their players into a space, [with] a lot of switch concepts…,” Co-Defensive Coordinator and Saftey Coach Anthony Wilson said. “That’s gonna challenge us mentally and physically, as far as our eye placement and things of that nature for our safeties.”
The Tigers can use this game to recuperate and get ready for the expected game next Friday against the Fayetteville Bulldogs. Both games will equally prepare the Tigers for district and playoff games.
“Honestly, we’ve told our kids this week we’re going to focus on ourselves,” Wilson said. “Last week, we had a chance to go down and play Liberty Christian, who was a very talented football team…challenged us in some ways. That was really good for us; that showed us some of our highs and lows and a good opportunity to go back out here this Friday night to get our feet back under us.”
